scarify

verb

Definition of scarifynext
as in to frighten
to strike with fear that foolish woman would be scarified by a mouse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scarify Once the tree is removed from the pot, the root ball is scarified. — Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026 Some will confine their mess to pixels, but surely others will scarify the walls and stain the floors. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 23 Sep. 2021 And some on the platform feel free enough to verbally poke a pop star or scarify Spotify. — Bill Hochberg, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scarify
  1. frighten
  2. scare
  3. terrify
  4. startle
Verb
  • Fireworks can frighten animals and send them scattering, but Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets apparently are made of sterner stuff.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • In those moments, what frightened her most was not her own safety but the knowledge that her husband was up there somewhere, flying in the same sky swarming with fighter planes dropping their bombs on Tehran.
    — Mahsa Alimardani, Time, 6 July 2026
Definition of frighten
Verb
  • The company will need to regain customers' trust, just as other restaurants like McDonald's, Wendy's and Chipotle have had to in the past after health scares.
    — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • Significantly, High Plains offered alternatives to more expensive, two-drink-minimum club shows that might scare off casual comedy fans and newcomers to stand-up.
    — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of scare
Verb
  • These get forwarded across the internet, and soon masses of young people are surging into an urban plaza or park, often terrifying any adult who happens to be nearby.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • Sebastian Krautz went viral on NBC10 Boston this week after admitting he was initially terrified to travel to the United States because of news about crime and safety.
    — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of terrify
Verb
  • Pochettino’s sources of American sports culture inspiration There were some aspects of American culture, and specifically American sports culture, that clearly startled Pochettino.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Today Twain would be startled by the passivity of a once-mighty Congress that has all but crumbled in the face of pressure from the White House.
    — Ron Chernow, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of startle

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Cite this Entry

“Scarify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scarify. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of scarify for Spanish Speakers

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